Control-mechanism for pyrophoric lighters of the gaseous fuel type



A. P. ANUERsoN 2,633,724 CONTROL-MECHANISM'. FOR PYRoPHoRIc LIGHTERS 0FTHE., GAsEzoUs FUEL. TYPE Filed Oct. 25, 1950 April 7, 1953 Ill/111.7111

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Patented Apr; 7, 1953 CONTROL-MECHANISM FOR PYROPHORIC LIGHTERS F THEGASEOUS FUEL TYPE l Arthur P. Anderson, Milford, Conn., assignor to TheWaterbury Lock & Specialty Company, Milford, Conn., a corporation ofConnecticut Application October 25, 1950, Serial No. 192,029 s claims.(c1. `csr- 7.1)

Lighters of this type usually contain Va replace-v able cartridgeholding a long-lasting supply of compressed iniiammable gas and having anormally-closed valve through which to release a small Yquantity of thegas to be burned on each application of the lighter. For the releasefrom the cartridge of a gaseous-fuel charge and for its ignition,theselighters are usually equipped with a valve-actuator and with moreor less conventional sparking-mechanism, which require separatemanipulation by the users of these lighters. Since the spark emissionfrom the mechanism is only momentary, it is imperative that the user ofany of these lighters manipulates the valve-actuator preferably slightlybefore, and not after, manipulating the sparking-mechanism, in order toobtain a flame. Thus, for efficient and safe use of these lighters,their manipulation and the correct timing of the separate manipulationsof their valve-actuators and sparking-mechanisms require considerabledexterity which many users do not possess.

It is one -of the main objects of the present invention to provide agaseous-fuel type lighter which for its safe, efcient and reliableoperation requires no dexterity whatever on the part of the user of thelighter.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate in a lighter ofthis type the heretofore imperative separate manipulation of thevalve-actuator and, instead, provide for its automatic performance intime with the manipulation of the sparking-mechanism by the user of thelighter, thereby eliminating all waste cf gaseous fuel and obviating anydanger of igniting an excessive accumulation of released fuel-gas,assuredly producing a flame on each manipulation of thesparking-mechanism, and rendering the manipulation of the lighter a taskwhich requires no skill whatever.

- It is a further object of the present invention to provide for thesparking-mechanism and for the valve-actuator of a lighter of this typea common manipulator which, when operated by the user of the lighter,will momentarily operate the sparking-mechanism and also render thevalveactuator operative to open the cartridge-valve, and, when releasedby the user, will render the valve-actuator` inoperative and causeclosure of the cartridge-valve, thereby affording the user of thelighter a simple and most convenient control overthelduration of theflame produced by the p lighter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a lighter ofthis type a valve-actuator in the form of a structurally-simple,part-resilient element which is readily assembled with the lighter bysimply snapping it in place therein, and which is correctly and reliablyoperated by a sim,- ple camming action of the aforementioned commonmanipulator.

It is still a further object of the present invention to have safetyprovisions in a lighter of this type which will effectively preventoperation of 'he valve-actuator, except when the aforemen- .ioned commonmanipulator is operated, Y

It is also among the objects of the present invention to provide alighter of this type which, while exceedingly simple in construction, isnevertheless highly eiiicienty and reliable in performance, and readilylends itself to efficient mass production at low oost. v

Other objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the artfrom the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. a

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out thepresent invention are shown for illustrative purposes: Y

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a lighter embodying the presentinvention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through thesame lighter;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the lighter when in use;

Fig. 4 is a section similar to Fig. 2, showing the lighter when in use;

Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged cross sections through the lighter, as takenon the lines 5 5 and 6 6, respectively, of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a section similar to Fig. 6, showing certain'parts of thelighter in a Adifferent position;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section through the valve-equipped topof a replaceable fuel-cartridge inthe instantlighter;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary partial-section Vand partial-elevation of thelighter, the section being taken substantially on the line 3 9 ofFig, 1;and

Fig, 10 is a fragmentary section through the lighter as taken on theline N l of Fig. 'Il

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to4.thereof, the reference numeral Il) designates a pyrophoric lighterwhich, in the present instance, comprises a casing i2, a manipulator I4,and a normally-closed cover I6 for the open top i8 of the casing I2. Thecasing I2, which is also open at the bottom for the insertion thereat ofa fuel-container or -cartridge 20 (Fig. 2) comprises a front wall 2 lland opposite side Walls 22 and 23 which, as best shown in Fig. 5, arerearwardly extended at 24 and 25, respectively, to form a socket 23 forthe reception of a dint-receptacle or -tube 2l'. The flint-tube El is,for its secure..mounting in the socket 2.5, .providedinthepresentinstance withspaced peripheral grooves 28 and 2Q (Fig. 2)into which are crimped the top and bottom ends 38 and 3|, respectively,of the connecting-web 32 of a generally U -shapedreinforcement-nieinleI` '33, th'e `opposite legs 34 and 35 of which areforced into'rmren'- gagement with the socket-forming wall extensions 24and 25, respectively (Fig-5). Y

The fuel-cartridge 28, which is .preferably `of the replaceable kind, ischarged with a longlasting supply of compressed "inflammable l*gaseousfuel. the inamma'ole hydrocarbons, of Which butane has. proved highlysatisfactory. The cartridge '28 .is at its top 33 .provided with-apressure-reduction valve 31, having a valve-element 'vvhich "isnormally closed (Fig. 2) to prevent the eslcape of .gaseous fuel fromthe cartridge, and which may lbe lifted into the position shown 'in Fig.'4 .for Vthe release of a limited quantity of gaseous fuel from thecartridge through an outlet 39 in the valve-element 38 (Fig. 6)

FIh'e .pressure-reduction valve''l'rna'y be of any ysuitableconstruction. Fig. 8 shows an example of apressure-reduction valve withwhich the fuelcartridge 28 may be equipped. This Valve comprises acasing '48 which is .threaded into an internal boss '4| on the top wall3e of the cartridge 2D, andislprovided with a hexagonal head 42 by meansof which it may conveniently be tightened in lthe boss 4|. To preventleakage lof the 'compressed gaseous fuel from the cartridge 2i! throughthe threaded connection between 'the boss 4i 'and the valve-casing 48,there is preferably 'interposed between the latter and the head 4'2ofthe valve-casing 4G, a 'gasket 480,. VThe valve-casing 48 is .providedwith a cylindrical chamber 43 and a diametrically-enlarged end- `bore'44 which leaves an annular shoulder 45 'in the casing 48. Slidable vin'the valve-chamber 43 is the valve-element y38, having a stem 46 whichextends Athrough an aperture '47 in the vhead 42 of the valve-casing'48. The plungerend 48 of the valve-element 38 is provided with anannular recess"49"fo`r the receptionof avalve- .plug 50 of rubber or asimilar resilient material. "I'he'plu'g' 5i!` is at/one enddiametrically enlarged as at so that the same will, when fully seated invthe recess '4S in the plunger-'end 48 of the valve-element (Fig. 8),leave 'a gap 52 between its other end and the bottom ofthe recess 49.The 4cylindrical -wall '53 o'f the plunger-end 48 of? thevalve-'elementf38 is also 'provided 'with `onecr more 4axial slots154'which provide communication. between the valve-chamber 43 an'd theoutlet-passage 39 in the valve-'element 3B. F.'irmlylheldragainst.aigasket 45a on the annular shoulder-15in the valve-casing 40 by athreaded .plug vSii-inthe .tapped end-bore '44 is an insert 56 which -is.providedwith a central duct 51 and a valve-seat 58. The valve-element38 is 'with its resilient plug 50 normally urged by a YcompressionVspring 59 against the valve-seat 53 of -the=insert -56 to interceptcommunication between the-duct51in thel latter and the valve-chamber 43.For lifting the valve-element 38V from the seat 58, V.thestem 45 oftheformer is at its free @end-:provided with ashou-lder 58 which maycon- -venientlyl--belformed bya hexagonalnut.

In operation, gas from the compressed Vgase- Such a gaseous fuel may beany-of.

ous-fuel supply in the cartridge 28 will seep through the threadedconnection between the plug 55 and the end-bore 44 in the valve-casing48, and will accumulate at considerably reduced .pressure in the space6I between theplug 55 and Yinsert 53. The .fuel-gas in Athefspac'ei I:is trapped therein by the valve-element "38 as`long as the latter isnormally seated on the valve-seat 58. 'Howeven gas in the space 6l willbe permitted to Iescape `through""'the valve-element 38 whenltheflatte'r'isfliftedfrom the seat 58 in a manner to be describedhereinafter. In that event, fuelgasfromthespacel6| will pass through theduct .5.1 .in lthe insert 55S, through the slot or slots 54 and the gap52 in the plunger-end 48 of the 4|valve-felement:38;'and through theoutlet-passage 33 in the valve-stein 46. Since the slot or slots 54 andthe gap 52 in the plunger-end 48 of the valve-element are greatlyrestricted in width, and sincethe outlet-passagef-39 -in the valve-stem48 is ysimilarly restricted in diameter, iit `is obvious that thepressure of the fuel-gas Aflowing there- -through will be vfurtherreduced to the extent where the pressure is just sucient to sustain theflame of the lighter at normal size.

The fuel-cartridge 2B is Vreceived rather snugly in the-casing l2 so asto preclude its accidental vescape therefrom, yet permit its withdrawal|for replacement purposes without requiring an undue effort on thepart-of the user of the lighter. For facile removal of Athefuel-cartridge 20 from the casing l2, the opposite side walls 22 and 23of the latter are preferably recessed 'at 62, respectively, to aiord agood grip on 'thecart'ridge The cover I carries, in the presentinstance, a cross-pin63 which is journaled in rearwardlyextendinglugsf`34 lon the sidewalls 22 and 23, respectively, of the casing i12(Figs. i2 and 9). VFre'elyrotatable on the pin B3 is a conventional,preferably Ibushed sparking-wheel 85 which is Vadapted to be turned fina vclockwise direction, as viewed in'Fig's. Zand 4, in'ordertodrawfsparks from the 'adjacent end of avint 'f Yin the flinttube 2 forthe ignition of fuel-gasreleasedby the lifted valve-element 38. Theflin'ttf may in aconventional -rnan'n'er be urged 'against the usuallyknurled "or otherwiselroug'hened periphery of the sparking-Wheel V65 byva compression-type spring 66 (Fig. 5) which is Ah'eld in theilint-tube`2 1 bythe usual vthreaded 'plug 6'! at `the-lower end of the)dint-tube.

The manipulator I4' is, in rthe present-instance, 'a -U -shaped channelhaving opposite legs or angest Vand 159 which straddle the 'casing i2,and a connecting-Web "i8 'which conceals the dint-tube 21 and its socket'2'6 (Figs. `2 and 5). The manipulator I4 is further'provided withan at'l2 Ytoproi'lide for y'access to the 'plug'i atthe lower fend of 'the-nint-tube 21. 4The vmanipulator l4'carriesnear its loWer'end a'cross-pin 7`31w`hich is journaled in rearwardly-extending lugs vT4 and15 on the side walls '292 and VV23, respectively, of thecasin'g 12.Thusgthe manipulator i 4 is turnable from the'normal inoperativeposition shown in Figs. l 'and`2 into the operative position'shown inFigs. 3 and 4, and vice versa.

The swing of the manipulator I4 into its operative and inoperativepositions is, in the present instance, utilized for opening and closingthe cover i8, respectively. To this end, the cover lEiis provided withopposite' aligned pins 1B (Figs. 1 and 2) which are disposedeccentrically of the -pivot-pin 63 'and'coopera'tewith identicalcamslots 11 in the opposite flanges 68 and 89, respectively, ofthemanipulator I4. The cover I6 is at its rear slotted as at s in orderthat the cover may, in its open position, clear the flint-tube 21 (Fig.4).

The manipulator I4 is normally urged into the inoperative position shownin Figs. l and 2 by a leaf-type spring 13 (Figs. 2 and 5) which isconveniently anchored at one end in a punched-out strap 'I9 on the web'i0 of the manipulator, and bears with its other end against abacking-plate 80 which, in turn, bears against the flint-tube socket 26.The backing-plate 60, which is provided at its lower end with apreferably punchedout projection 8| that engages the adjacent end of thesocket-reinforcement member 33 (Figs. 2 and 4), is also provided with arearwardly-offset top-shield BZ which conceals the sparking-wheel 65 andis substantially ush and continuous with the web of the manipulator Mwhen the latter is in its normal inoperative position (Fig. 2).

The cover I6 is, in the present instance, provided with a web 63 (Fig.2) in which is mounted in any suitable manner a conventional cup-shapedname-extinguisher 84 that bears with its open end against the nut 60 onthe valve-element 33 and covers the fuel-outlet 39 thereat when thecover I6 is closed (Fig. 2).

The instant lighter I0 is also provided with a ratchet-mechanism whichwill turn the sparkingwheel 65 in a clockwise direction, as viewed inFigs. 2 and 4, when the cover I6 is opened on depressing the manipulatorI4 into its operative position, and which will have no turning effect onthe sparking-wheel 65 when the cover I6 closes on the spring-return ofthe manipulator I4 into it's inoperative position. Thisratchet-mechanism comprises a ratchet-disk 85 on one side of, andpreferably integral with, the sparking-wheel 65 (Fig. 2), and a pawl 86(Fig. 9) which is, in the present instance, formed by an inwardly-benttongue of a plate 8'! which is elongated at 88 to fit approximatelybetween the top wall 69 and the web 83 of the cover I6 (Fig. 9), whilethe pivot-pin 63, which extends through the plate 8T, holds the latteriirmly in the cover I6. Thus, the pawl 06 turns with the cover I6 andwill, on rotation of the latter from its closed position into its openposition, engage the nearest tooth t of the ratchet-disk 85 and turn thesparking-wheel 65 for the emission oi` sparks from the flint f. .Onclosure of the cover I6, the somewhat resilient pawl 86 will merelyoverride the following tooth t of the ratchet-disk 85, and will fail toturn the sparking-wheel 65, especially since the spring-urged iiint fwill act as a brake against the periphery of the sparking-wheel.

As shown in Fig. 4, the casing I2 extends some distance above thevalve-element 38 on the inserted fuel-cartridge 20, so as to serve as aneffective windbreaker. However, to support proper combustion of theignited gaseous fuel as it is discharged from the valve-element 38, theupper end of the casing I2 is preferably provided with restrictedair-passages or slots 90 (Figs. l, 4. and 6).

In accordance with a primary aspect of the ypresent invention,provisions are made whereby the Valve-element 38 is, for the dischargeof a limited quantity of gaseous fuel from the cartridge 20, lifted fromits closed position (Fig. 2)

into its fuel-discharge position (Fig. 4) on depressing the manipulatorI4 into its operative position. To this end, there is provided avalveactuator 9| (Figs. 2, Li, 6 and 7) which, in the present instance,comprises two spaced ngers 92 and 93 which are joined at their adjacentends 95 and 96, respectively, by a leaf-type spring 94 that normallyurges these fingers apart. The ngers 92 and 93 of the valve-actuator 9|are provided near their opposite ends with outwardlyprojecting followers91 and 98, respectively, which are adapted to cooperate with theadjacent flanges 63 and 69 of the manipulator I4 in operating thevalve-actuator, in a manner described hereinafter. The valve-actuator 9|may conveniently be inserted in the instant lighter I0 by projecting theleaf-spring 94 into the slot 90a in the front wall 2| of the casing I2,and snapping the followers 91 and 98 into aligned slots 99 and |00 inthe opposite end walls 22 and 23, respectively, of the casing I2, in themanner best shown in Fig. 6.V The valve-actuator 9| is thus readilymountable in, and demountable from, the casing I2 of the instantlighter. Instead of projecting the leaf-spring 9d through theair-passage or slot a in the front wall 2| of the casing I2, this slotmay be omitted in the casing and the leaf-spring 93 mounted in a slottedmember (not shown) on the inside of the casing-wall 2|, so as to concealthe spring 94 from view.

The opp-osite fingers 92 and 93 of the valveactuator 9| are intermediatetheir lengths provided with cam-faces |0| and |02, respectively, whichare in cooperative relation with the nut 60 on the valve-element 33 ofthe inserted cartridge 20 (Figs. 2 and 6). The cam-faces |0| and |02 onthe fingers 92 and 93 preferably clear the nut 60 on the valve-element38 when the manipulator isi is in its inoperative position (Figs. 2 and6), so that the fuel-cartridge 26 may be removed from the casing i2 ofthe instant lighter, and a new fuel-cartridge be inserted thereinwithout any interference from the valve-actuator 9|.

The followers 9'! and 39 on the ngers 92 and 93 of the valve-actuator 9|are, in the present instance, provided with cam-edges |03 and |04,respectively, for cooperation with the adjacent anges 68 and 69 of themanipulator i4 in forcing the fingers 92 and 93 into the valve-liftingposition shown in Figs. '7 and 10 on depressing the manipulator Ill fromthe inoperative position shown in Fig. 6 into the operative positionshown in Fig. 7. In thus forcing the fingers 92 and 93 of thevalve-actuator 9| into the valvelifting position (Figs. 7 and 10), theirrespective cam-faces |0| and |02 will engage the nut 60 on thevalve-element 38 yand lift the latter into its fuel-discharge positionin which to release a limited quantity of gaseous fuel. Thevalve-element 3S will be retained in its fuel-discharge position andwill release fuel from the cartridge 20 while the manipulator I3 is heldin its operative or depressed position (Figs. 4 and '7), and thevalveelement 38 will be permitted to return to its normally-closedposition (Figs. 2 and 8) on the spring-return of the ngers 92 and 93 ofthe valve-actuator 9| into the inactive or retracted position shown inFig. 6, following the release of the depressed manipulator I4 by theuser of the lighter.

To prevent lifting of the valve-element 38 into its fuel-dischargeposition and release of gaseous fuel from the cartridge 20, inconsequence of accidental or unauthorized depression of the followers 97and 98 into the respective slots 99 and |00 in the casing I2 when themanipulator I4 is in its inoperative position (Figs. l and 6), there isprovided a lock-member |05 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) which may be in the formof an angle having |06 and |0`|. The lock-member |05, which may with itsleg |06 be suitably mounted on the web 83 of the cover I6, will, in theclosed position lof, .theflatten lextend :with its "other leg |07between the'ngers Y02 and 93 ofthe valveactuator-'9| (Fig. 6) andeffectively lock them against movementinto their-valve-lifting position`while the cover Iar isf closed. Preferably, the tip-end |08;of the leg-|0`| of the'lock-member is;wedgeshaped for its ready entry ybetween thefingers 92v and 93 ofthe valve-actuator-9|. On depressing themanipulator IB into its operati-ve positionv (Figs.- 3 and 4), thelockmember |05 on the cover I will be immediately retracted fromthefingers 92 and 93 of the valveactuatorgl so'that the latter .may .beYforced into its valve-lifting'position (Fig7) bythe manipulator i4, asit is being depressed.

Theprovisionof the.;valve'actuator 9| in the present lighterconstructionsecures many important advantages. Thus, byv providing thevalve-actuator,y in operative relation .with the manipulator I6, andthereby accomplishing the automatic opening of thevalve 3? in timewiththe operation. of the sparking-mechanism, all Waste of gaseous fuel iseliminated and any danger of igniting an excessive accumulation ofreleased gas is obviated. Further, a flame will assuredly be producedin. the instant lighter on each performance of the sparking-mechanism,thereby assuring the eflicient and reliable performance of the instantlighter on each manipulation thereof, and-,reducing wear of the fiint fand foulingV of the sparking-Wheel 65 to a minimum. The instantcoordination of the valveactuator 9| with the manipulator i4 furtheraffords to the user 0f the instant lighter a simple and most convenientcontrol over the duration of the flame, since mere holding of themanipulator I4 in its operative or rdepressed position will result infeeding the llame with gaseous fuel from the cartridge 20 until themanipulator is released for spring-return to its inoperative position.Moreover, the valve-lifting element il! in the instant lighter isstructurally exceedingly simple, yet highly reliable in operation, andfacilitates the removal of a spent fuel-cartridge 2li-from the casing I2and its replacement with a new cartridge.

The invention may be carried out in other specific Ways than thoseherein set forth without departing from the spirit and essentialcharacteristics of the invention, and the present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative'and notrestrictive, and all changes coming Within the meaning and equivalencyrange of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

I claim:

l. In a pyrophoric lighter havinga -casing with opposite slotted sidewalls, a gaseous-fuel container in said casing having a normally closedvalve including a shouldered valve-stem axially movable into avalve-opening position for the 4release of fuel, and sparking-mechanismin igniting relation with released fuel, the combination of amanipulatorcarried by said casing for movement in a plane substantially parallelnto said casing-Walls,.and operatively associated with saidsparking-mechanism for actuating the latter on movement of saidmanipulator into an operative position, said manipulator havingextensions on the outside of said casing-walls, respectively; andavalve-actuator having a pair of pivotally-connected cam-members onopposite sides of said valve-stem in saidcasing, said cammembers beingnormally yieldinglyA urged` apart 'into` aninactive position and`having. projections extendingoutwardly throughV the ,slots-.-in.'-saidcasing-walls, respectively, Iand said projections and extensions beingcooperating cams to force said cam-members toward each other intocooperative relation with said shoulder on said valve-stem for movingthe latter into itsr open position'on movingsaid manipulator into saidoperative position.

i2. The combination in a pyrophoric lighter as set forth in claim 1, inwhich said cam-members are pivotally connected vby va leaf spring whichjoinsthem and normally urges them apart.

3. The combination in a pyrophoric lighter as set forth in claim 1, inwhich said projections have cam-edges in the path of Vsaid extensionsandthe latter vare in' the form ofr flanges on` Said manipulator whichstraddle said casing-walls,

4, In a pyrophoric lighter having a casing with a front wall andopposite side walls and slots in said walls, respectively, agaseous-fuel container inpsaid casing having anormally closed valveincluding a shouldered valve stern axially movable longitudinally ofsaid casing into an open position for the release of fuel, and sparkingmechanism in igniting relation with released fuel, the combination of amanipulator carried by said casing for movement transversely thereof inaplane substantially parallel to said side Walls, and operativelyassociated With said sparking-mechanism for actuating the latter onmovement of said manipulator into an operative position, saidmanipulator having extensions on the outside of said side walls,respectively, of said casing; and a valve-actuator comprising a pair ofend-to-end pivotally-connected cam-members located on opposite sides,respectively, of said valve-stem in said casing and having near theirother ends outward projections, respectively, said cam-members beingnormally yieldingly spread-apart and being with their pivoted ends andoutward projections removably supported in said slots in said front walland side walls, respectively, of said casing for pivotal movement ofsaid cam-members from an inactive spread relative position toward eachother into an active relative position and into cooperative relationwith said shoulder on said valve-stem for moving the latter into itsopen position, and said outward projections and extensions beingcooperating cams to force said cammembers into said active relativeposition on moving said manipulator into said operative position.

5. The combination in a pyrophoric lighter as set forth in claim 4, inwhich said cam-members are pivotally connected by a leaf spring whichjoins them and normally urges them'apart and extends into ,said slot insaid front wall of said casing.

6. In a pyrophoric lighter having a casing With an open top, a covermovably carried by said open casing-top for opening and closing thelatter, a gaseous-fuelV container in said casing having near the opentop of the latter a normally closed valve for the discharge of fuel fromsaid container, and sparking-mechanism in said casing for ignitingdischarged fuel from said container, the combination of a manipulatorcarried by said casing for movement into operative and inoperativepositions and operatively associated with said cover for opening andclosing the latter on movement of said manipulator into said operativeand inoperative positions,respectively; an operating connection betweensaid manipulator and sparking-mechanism. for operating` the latteronmoving the former into. said. operative position only;

a valve-actuator movable in said casing from an inactive position intoan active position for opening said valve, and operatively associatedwith said manipulator for moving said valve-actuator into said activeposition on movement of said manipulator into said operative position;and a member carried by said cover for locking said valve-actuatoragainst movement from said inactive position when said cover is closed,and for releasing it for movement into said active position when saidcover is being opened.

7. In a pyrophoric lighter having a casing with an open top, a covermovably carried by said open casing-top for opening and closing thelatter, and a gaseous-fuel container in said casing having near the opentop of the latter a normallyclosed valve for the discharge of fuel fromsaid container, the combination of a manipulator carred by said casingfor movement into operative and inoperative positions and y operativelyassociated with said cover for opening and closing the latter onmovement of said manipulator into said operative and inoperativepositions, respectively; a valve-actuator movable in said casing from aninactive position into an active position for opening said valve, andoperatively associated with said manipulator for moving saidvalveactuator into said active position on movement of said manipulatorinto said operative position; and a member carried by said cover forlocking said valve-actuator against movement from said inactive positionwhen said cover is closed, and for releasing it for movement into saidactive position when said cover is being opened.

. 8. In a pyrophoric lighter having a casing, a

gaseous-fuel container therein having a normally closed valve includinga shouldered valve stem axially movable into valve-opening position forthe release of fuel, and sparking mechanism in igniting relation withreleased fuel, the combination of a valve actuator having Wedge-likecams on opposite sides, respectively, of said valve stem; means in saidcasing for supporting said cams and guiding them for movement toward andaW-ay from each other transversely of the stem axis to cooperate Withthe shoulder on said stem in moving the latter into said valve-openingposition on movement of said cams toward each other; and a manipulatoroperatively associated with said sparking mechanism and valve actuatorand depressible on said casing for causing operation of said sparkingmechanism and operative movement of the cams of said valve actuator.

ARTHUR P. ANDERSON.

REFERENCES A CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent: l

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,153,432 Reich Apr. 4, 19392,477,398 Shatkin July 26, 1949 2,482,794 Peterson Sept. 27, 19492,571,435 Flamm Oct. 16, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date603,504 Great Britain June 17, 1948 923,219 France of 1947

